Lower than every week after their assembly within the Nitto ATP Finals title match, Jannik Sinner scored swift revenge in opposition to Novak Djokovic on Saturday within the Davis Cup semi-finals.

In a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 singles victory, the Italian saved three match factors by escaping 0/40 at 4-5 within the remaining set and broke instantly after to grab management of the match in Malaga. Sinner’s heroics stored Italy alive within the semi-final tie after Miomir Kecmanovic opened the day’s play with a 6-7(7), 6-2, 6-1 victory in opposition to Lorenzo Musetti.

Sinner then teamed with Lorenzo Sonego to defeat Djokovic and Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4 in a decisive doubles match, sending Italy into its first Davis Cup remaining since 1998. Returning finalists Australia will present the opposition in Sunday’s title tilt.

‘It was a curler coaster,” Sinner mentioned of his two-hour, 35-minute singles victory in opposition to the World No. 1 — an outline that additionally applies to the tie as an entire. “I used to be beginning off rather well. Second set he performed significantly better than me. Third set I attempted to serve rather well, and in addition on match factors down I served nicely.

“Completely happy to nonetheless be within the competitors. We have been one level away from being out.”

FINALISTI 🇮🇹

Italy are within the Davis Cup remaining for the primary time since 1998! #DavisCupFinals | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/tG3jCBdrCb

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) November 25, 2023

Within the singles showdown, Sinner saved seven of 9 break factors, together with 5 within the remaining set, to maintain Italy’s Davis Cup dream alive. Djokovic confronted only one break level throughout the ultimate two units, however Sinner claimed it in fashion with a forehand passing shot earlier than confidently serving out the match.

Whereas Djokovic discovered success with aggressive play within the second and third units, he was unable to tug Sinner right into a rally on his three match factors. The Italian then capitalised on a short dip from his opponent to convey up his first break level because the opening set, and he whipped a forehand down the road previous a stranded Djokovic to maneuver decisively forward.

From 4-5, 0/40, Sinner gained 13 of the match’s remaining 16 factors.

The outcome improved Sinner to 2-4 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head with Djokovic total and 2-2 this season, together with his earlier win coming final week within the Nitto ATP Finals group stage. Their Malaga assembly was their second match this season to require a decisive set, with Sinner beforehand profitable a third-set tie-break in Turin.

The drama of the pivotal doubles match belied the simple scoreline. After Sinner and Sonego gained the opening set by claiming its lone break level, there have been a mixed 10 break possibilities in an exhilarating second set. Following an early commerce of breaks, the Italians fought out of a 0/40 gap at 2-3, saving 4 break factors in a marathon sport earlier than breaking to guide 4-3.

They erased one other break level as they served out the match to clinch a 2-1 victory within the semi-final tie and ship Italy into its eighth Davis Cup remaining. The nation is in search of its second title after first lifting the Davis Cup trophy 1976.